Common Misconceptions About AMPS
Myth: The pain is "all in your head."
Truth: The pain is real! AMPS happens because your nervous system amplifies pain signals, making things hurt more than they should. It’s not imaginary, and it’s not just about stress or emotions, though those can make it worse.
Myth: AMPS means something is seriously wrong with your body.
Truth: AMPS doesn’t mean you have a disease or damage like a broken bone or infection. Your body is healthy, but your nerves are sending extra-strong pain signals.
Myth: Resting or avoiding activity will make it better.
Truth: Resting too much can actually make AMPS worse. Moving your body through exercise or physical therapy helps retrain your nerves to feel less pain and get you back to normal.
Myth: Pain meds are the best way to fix AMPS.
Truth: Strong pain medicines don’t work well for AMPS and can sometimes make recovery harder. Things like exercise, therapy, and stress management are way more effective.
Myth: You need lots of tests to diagnose AMPS.
Truth: Doctors can usually figure out AMPS by talking to you and checking your body. Extra tests like MRIs or X-rays aren’t usually needed and can make you worry more.
Myth: AMPS only happens to adults.
Truth: AMPS is actually more common in kids and teens, especially those who are active or under stress. It can happen to anyone, but teens often get it after an injury, illness, or stressful time.
Myth: You’ll have AMPS forever.
Truth: Most teens get a lot better or even fully recover with the right treatment, like physical therapy and counseling. It takes work, but you can get back to doing what you love.
Myth: If it hurts, you should stop moving.
Truth: Pushing through some discomfort during exercise or therapy is actually part of getting better. It helps your nerves learn to stop overreacting to pain.
Myth: AMPS is just normal growing pains.
Truth: Growing pains are mild and usually happen in the legs at night. AMPS is more intense, can affect any part of the body, and might make even light touches hurt a lot.
Myth: Stress or anxiety causes AMPS.
Truth: Stress or anxiety doesn’t directly cause AMPS, but it can make the pain feel worse. That’s why learning to manage stress is part of the treatment, but it’s not the whole story.